Mara's first manicure - of course in the color Frozen blue?! Our little girl is growing up.
For Mara's two year anniversary we decided celebrate with our family (Mangan cousins, Granny and Aunt Mimi) in one of our favorite places: New Mexico! Luckily there's a non-stop easy flight from Oakland to Albuquerque (only 2 hours). Here Mara traveling with Anna (she can't go anywhere without one of the sisters). Mara is a good traveler and loves Southwest peanuts & apple juice!
Santa Fe is an easy drive from Albuquerque (and on the way after a short visit to Nick's favorite Sadie's). We stayed downtown, near the town square a the La Fonda hotel. They upgraded us to the top floor suite with a magnificent, panoramic view from the balcony.
Mara on the rooftop
It's easier to travel by bike taxi, here on our way out to nice dinner at Geronimo, with a view of the St Francis Asisi chapel.
Our hotel included breakfast every morning, where we would meet the family and enjoy a feast of New Mexico delights. Red, green or Christmas chile anyone? Here Nick enjoying fresh caught trout for breakfast.
The big highlight of Santa Fe was attending the opening night of the opera and Verdi's Rigoletto. It was Mara's first exposure to the opera but she was ready given that her favorite Dora & Friends showcased an episode on opera and the "diva" who sang. Mom and Mara getting ready for the opera.
You can never get enough kisses or hear enough of Mara's chuckle.
The Santa Fe opera house is a spectacular outdoor venue. Mara and Mom enjoying some moments together in the delightful Santa Fe evening before the family arrived.
Here the family - the women all dressed up for the evening.
Our daughter, the cowgirl, trying on very expensive adult cowboy boots at a boutique off the square. The shopkeeper watched her very closely!
Mom and Mara exploring the town together.
After Santa Fe, the three of us visited Taos, staying at a fabulous local resort El Monte Sagrado. Who would have thought there would be a Monet garden in the heart of New Mexico? The view from our room.
The hotel is amazing including a spectacular "rattle snake" bar and and adjoining wine tasting room.
Seriously the El Monte served THE best red chile we have ever eaten in our lives. Tell me this doesn't look mouth watering???
Here Mara practicing on her very own Steinway grand piano (one of two in the hotel?!)
We couldn't get enough of the grounds of the El Monte - so beautiful. Now that's some garden art (a solar polar tree!!)
One of the treats of New Mexico (aside from the food) is the spectacular storms, as well as the landscape. The last night we were there we enjoyed a wonderful meal outside, serenaded by a terrific storm. Mara loved it and was even inspired to create a storm "composition" for the piano as a result. Even in the dark, the view was breathtaking, enough to inspire Clare to pick her sketching back up!
Some landscape shots of the terrain between Taos and Santa Fe. Love to play with color on the iPhone
Clare and Mara sketching together (with Anna)
The Rio Grande gorge
The peaks of the Rockies
Close-up of the Rio Grande
Traveling is not only fun, it opens your mind to new things & cultures. Since being back, Mara has been "alive", virtually fearless in trying new things. First time going down the slide herself, despite some crazy static electricity.
With the adorable Marken kids at the Los Altos Art & Wine Festival - loved to see her ride in the Dragon with the other kids. Such a big girl.
And down the slide with Mom!
Later in the week, back to Happy Hollow with her friend Alessia (and Danny the Dragon)
